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My red-eared slider's shell is gray, peeling, and fading. What to do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Reptile | Aquatic Turtle | Male

My red ear slider’s shell looks like it is deteriorating as i can see layers and it has a gray tint. The side is also losing the red color. My RES is around 10-11 What should I do?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on January 24th, 2020

She could be shedding scutes, which is normal or she may have an infection. You can monitor her for resolution or worsening of symptoms. If necessary, maintain pristine water quality via filtration and regular partial water changes. You can clean affected areas using a diluted Betadine or chlorhexidine (Hibiclens) solution and a soft bristled toothbrush. Allow for a one hour dry dock (out of the water) after each cleaning. Provide a balanced diet, UVB lighting and vitamin/mineral supplementation to promote shell health. Review slider care at the links below. http://www.reptilesmagazine.com/Red-Eared-Slider-Care-Sheet/ http://www.anapsid.org/reslider.html

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician

    Published on April 25th, 2018

    The appearance of her shell may be due to prior shell rot. Monitor for soft spots, bleeding or discharge. You can use a soft bristled brush an some diluted chlorhexidine (Hibiclens) to gently scrub some of the spots. Allow for a 1-2 hour dry docking after each scrubbing. Do it for a week and see if it makes a difference in her appearance. maintain pristine water condition during this time period. Poor water quality can predispose her to skin infection and shell rot. This shedding of her skin may be a result of dirty water. Confirm your filter is rated for at least twice the volume of the tank and perform a 25-30% water change weekly. Provide UVB lighting as well as vitamin and mineral supplementation to promote shell health. You can review care information here: http://www.anapsid.org/reslider.html

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